Chrome Remote Desktop is a Chrome (the browser) extension that provides remote access to another desktop. Often suggested as a remote support tool, the technology is also a nice way to access a remote PC on which you left that file you really need to discuss in that meeting starting in ten minutes.

The product has handled Windows and Mac OS for some time, but Google today announced that Linux is now supported.

The solution isn't neat: only Debian and Ubuntu work, for now, and Google says “you’ll need to create a separate virtual desktop session” to get things going. Setting up Linux boxen for remote access is also a little more complicated than the one-click routine offered on other operating systems, but the procedures outlined here won't scare anyone with even moderate Linux experience.

Remote access apps are a dime a dozen. That Chrome Remote Desktop is now capable of driving Linux devices from within Chrome or on a Chromebooks means sysadmins have extra option or two, rather than something revolutionary.

There's also a weird symmetry in the release: Chrome OS is based on Linux, but didn't support remote access to Linux devices. That's sorted now. ®